Torotrak in driving seat with Volvo

AUTOMOTIVE technology specialist Torotrak has revealed it is working with Swedish car marker Volvo to pilot a new energy-efficient braking system.

Volvo anounced last week that it has been given a grant from the Swedish government to to test the potential of flywheel technology on public roads. It will use the money to help develop the next-generation technology for kinetic recovery of braking energy.

Leyland-based Torotrak’s continuously variable transmission (CVT) technology forms part of the flywheel technology being evaluated.

The company said the trial will “provide another powerful opportunity to demonstrate the contribution that mechanical hybrids can make to reduce emissions and improve fuel economy.

Chief executive Dick Elsy said: “We sense real momentum in the rapidly growing markets for efficiency-enhancing devices to reduce CO2 emissions.

“The industry needs cost-effective hybrid solutions and using a Torotrak variable drive transmission in conjunction with a mechanical flywheel has demonstrated the capability for double-digit improvements in fuel economy.”

Derek Crabb, vice president of powertrain engineering at Volve Car Corporation added: “If the tests and technical development go as planned, we expect cars with flywheel technology to reach the showrooms within a few years.”